Major League Baseball will continue to financially support minor league players through May 31, MLB announced Tuesday.
The coronavirus outbreak has ceased many of the world’s daily happenings, including sports. In MLB’s case, that created uncertainty as to how minor-leaguers would make a living. Their contracts have been suspended while play has paused.
MLB’s latest update was that eligible minor-leaguers will continue receiving their $400 weekly allowances and health benefits through May or the start of the minor-league season (whichever comes first). MLB first announced those allowances March 19, saying they would continue through April 8.
The exceptions to the plan, per MLB: Players who are signed to major league deals, players are already are receiving housing, food or other services from teams, and players on the restricted, voluntary retired, disqualified or ineligible lists.
MLB recently partnered with Fanatics to create masks and hospital gowns at the factory from materials typically used for MLB jerseys. The league and the Players Association created a $1 million fund to speed food assistance, while also committing $30 million in support of ballpark employees, who were left without an income during the suspension.
Teams and players have continued making pledges to help their communities. That includes Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who donated $125K to local charities. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan donated $100K to charities. Hawks budding star Trae Young is among players donating memorabilia toward “Athletes for Relief,” which is auctioning off items to help raise money for a COVID-19 response fund.
